Closer Look: Mad Catz CoD Headset

The Mad Catz CoD Headset is based on the generic Tritton AX series 5.1 surround sound headset. This limited edition version is made specifically for PCs, offering a unique design as well as a carrying case for travel.

The packaging is slightly larger than your average shoe box, totaling about five pounds. Mad Catz's creative design could give Razer a run for its money. All items are contained inside the limited edition case, protected against any shipping hazards.

The ruggedized CoD hard case includes a pouch for placing accessories and a bag for storing all the cables. It has a rubberized handle for better grip. The close resemblance to a lunch box may deter anyone from carrying the case outside, but it acts as the perfect protection for taking the headset on the go. Too often do I stuff a headset into a bag only to find it damaged later.

Mad Catz is thorough in their included accessories. Case aside, you get the Mad Catz CoD: Black Ops Dolby Digital 5.1 headset with default leather headrest and ear pads, a removable mic, extra pair of cloth headrest and ear covers, and cables with a control unit. The included manual offers basic setup guide, including how to change ear pads and attach mic. There's no software or drivers needed to use the headset, an advantage for those that bring their headsets around.

The Mad Catz CoD Dolby Digital 5.1 Gaming Headset offers a very unique design, engraved with CoD: Black Ops logos and the words "Top Secret"/"Classified". The outer shell is constructed using two different shades of matte plastic, which I find more attractive than shiny plastic. It avoids the pitfalls of cheap looking plastic. The Mad Catz CoD Headset feels heavier than the average surround sound headset, and much heavier than a typical stereo headset, definitely passing the one pound mark if you include the controller.

Mad Catz includes a rubberized mic. It can be easily plugged in by matching the slots and twisting. While it can be spun to face any direction, the mic itself is very bendy, meaning limited adjustability as it doesn't stick to its bended shape. It cannot be tucked upwards along the headset, which is where typical headsets retract their mic. To really get it out of the way you will need to unplug it from the headset.

The Mad Catz CoD Dolby Digital 5.1 Gaming Headset is outstanding in terms of presentation and design. Once turned on, the headset has many LED lights to show off, including Tritton's signature logo (the split T on the earpiece). How it performs aside, the headset certainly looks like high end gear. Next up, Benchmark Reviews will take a closer look at some of the finer details of the Mad Catz CoD Headset.